From Mary Pickford to Meryl Streep: Hollywood's Star System & How it Works with Brian Rose

For more than a century, Hollywood has relied on star power as the most reliable way to draw an audience.  From the early days of silent movies, when Mary Pickford was able to command $10,000 a week, to modern times, when actors like Tom Cruise and Tom Hanks are guaranteed $20 million (or more) a picture, the film studios have recognized the crucial role stars play at the box office. 

Register for Hollywood's Star System with Brian Rose

Take a look back at the history of movie stardom, as Brian discusses the early years vs. today's star culture.  How, originally, film actors weren't even identified by name...how the first real film star, Mary Pickford, became "America's Sweetheart", how Hollywood studios "manufactured" stars like Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Lana Turner during its "Golden Age", how the star system changed once there was television, how actors like Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, and Denzel Washington have ushered in a new definition of stardom during the last few decades...and more!  For anyone into Hollywood, this is for you.

About the Presenter

Brian Rose, Ph.D. was a Professor of Communication and Media Studies for 38 years at Fordham University's College at Lincoln Center until his recent retirement. He has written several books on television history and cultural programming. He has conducted more than one hundred Q & As with leading directors, actors, and writers for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, The Screen Actors Guild, The British Academy of Film & Television Arts, and The Directors Guild of America.